Comparative analysis of classical naming in Chinese and Russian

Abstract

The subject of the study is the producing motivational bases of nominees in the Chinese and Russian languages. The object of the study is naming in two cultures. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as the theory of nomination and its unique features in relation to Chinese and Russian linguistic cultures; the concept of naming and the process of creating onyms in two languages under the influence of historical background. Particular attention is paid to the Chinese tone, which influences the creation of ononyms, as well as a comparative study of onoms in the Chinese and Russian languages. The study was based on provisions formulated by linguists who study issues related to naming and nomination theory: Y.Y. Huang, A.K.K. Chan, V. Mathesius and others. Research methods: systematization and generalization, etymological analysis, conceptual analysis, linguocultural analysis. The main conclusions of the study are the provisions formulated based on the results of the comparative analysis: in Chinese culture, names are chosen to convey certain meanings and connotations. Chinese proper names often consist of two or three characters, with the surname coming first. Surnames are usually passed down through generations and carry with them a deep sense of tradition and origin. Names are often chosen to reflect virtues or values that parents hope to embody in their child. Names can also be chosen based on elements of Chinese astrology, such as the five elements and 12 animal signs. In Russian culture, names also have important meaning and are chosen based on many factors. They usually consist of a first name, a patronymic (derived from the father's name) and a last name. Surnames are usually inherited and reflect the ethnic or regional origin of the family. Names may be chosen based on religious significance, family traditions, or popular trends. The author’s special contribution to the study of the topic is that the article summarizes the main similarities and differences in Russian and Chinese naming. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time, based on etymological analysis, it established the relevant features of naming in the Chinese and Russian languages, which are also presented in a comparative aspect.